Elbow dysplasia

[GinnyB]

That's the diagnosis on Mali's leg. Has anyone else been dealt this blow? I have to say that my heart sank when I heard the 'D' word. I was so careful with the breeders I got my dogs from, I thought I'd done something wrong until the vet pointed out that whist it's common to get a hip score, an elbow score is rare.

Does anyone have any advice?

[MaggieR]

Hey Ginny... my Maggie was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia at about 10 months.  When she was just on a year she had an arthroscopy on both legs to remove fragments of cartilege that were already in the joints, release some muscle that was holding her elbow in the wrong position and general clean up of the joints. 
She had 6 weeks crate rest and then a further 6 weeks of very restricted lead exercise etc. Then we started hydrotherapy to build her muscles up around the joints.

That was 5 years ago and she's really good.  We still go to hydrotherapy for her elbows and also her back (IVDD) but fortnightly. She still runs like an idiot and everything that she probably shouldnt but she's happy.  I keep an eye on her for signs of discomfort/stiffness and rest her if I need to.  She has joint supplements as had already developed arthritis by the time it was diagnosed and do things like, if she goes in cold water, dry her and warm her afterwards just to try to reduce impact to her joints.

I know exactly how you're feeling - I felt physically sick when I was told and was devastated.  But honestly she's great.

I know it depends on extent of problem etc - but dont lose heart. Get referred to an orthapaedic specialist and see what they have to say.

Shout if you have any questions

Lisa xx

[GinnyB]

Lisa, that's really helpful, thank you. Mali will be 8 next month but strangers always assume she's still a puppy when they meet her for the first time. She's incredibly active and loves everyone she meets so it would be hard to try to get her to slow down. I will take your advice on board, especially when it comes to keeping her joints warm after she's been in cold water as she will make a run for the first bit of water she sees..... even if it's just a muddy puddle! 

The vet has given me lots of tablets so that I can administer them as and when required if she suffers further bouts (or rather when). He also mentioned something that sounded like cortisone injections (not into the joint though) did Maggie have anything like that and if so, did it work? The vet said it doesn't work for all dogs.

[elaine.e]

No advise about the condition, but just wanted to say I'm sorry about it

William has lumbosacral disc damage and when I was told that, after a specialist referral and MRI scan 6 years ago when he was 5, my heart really sank and I was worried about his future. So I understand how devastated you must be feeling now. But William has continued to lead a normal life with just a few restrictions. We had to stop doing agility of course, but apart from that I'm just careful about not letting him do stairs (although he sneaks up occasionally), having non slip floors at home and never throwing a ball for him because the twisting, turning and jumping involved in catching it could do further damage. I also make sure he stays slim and fit, and he has a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement which hopefully is keeping any arthritis that he may have under control. So it may be possible for you to help Mali by introducing just a few restrictions at home or changes that enable her to still have fun and a wide range of activities and exercise.

[GinnyB]

Thanks Elaine. It's good to hear stories of how others are handling conditions like this. Mali is really fit and not overweight but I think much of that is to do with the fact that she lives life at 100 mph! I've wondered about the laminate flooring downstairs so it's interesting to read your comments on slippy floors. I will invest in some rugs to put in front of the sofas so she can't slip when she jumps off. Mali isn't really interested in balls but she does love running madly in circles with other dogs which apparently doesn't help - I need to train her to always run to the right! 

Where do you buy the supplements for William? I think it may be a good idea to introduce those into Mali's routine as a precaution. Are they human ones or specialist dog ones?

Thanks again for your comments, they really help x

[MaggieR]

Wonder whether he actually mentioned carprofen injections Ginny - they are a longer working NSAID thats an alternative to rimadyl etc.  They give the dogs I think 3-4 injections on a weekly schedule and they can last for around 6 months I think.  I've only heard it being used when the dogs are persistently limping through the arthritis tho and would look at other supplements as Elaine mentioned to help support her, also green-lipped mussel... Dorwest Herbs do a good selection of supplements to support joint issues.  And take a look at the use of turmeric powder as well - that's another natural supplement a lot of folks use to reduce effects of arthritis.  (There's a group on facebook if you're on there called Turmeric Users Group - very good with loads of information on how to administer it etc)  As yet Maggie hasn't had to take any NSAIDs since her operation but I know it will happen at some point. 
Again good advise from Elaine about the slippy floors, avoid any jumping ideally but especially down from things as that will jar her elbow (I've had that conversation with Maggie many times...!)
Its really hard.  When I finished with Maggie at the specialists they were adamant no jumping, running high speed, chasing balls where she might twist and stop quickly.... but I have to let her live her life.  So I'm sensible for her, will make her stay in if I think she's had a big/strenuous walk the day before etc but I don't restrict her much.  She needs to be happy and I know she wouldn't be if I left her on a lead the whole time. 

[GinnyB]

Yes, those are the injections. He said that it was something for the future rather than now. I'll have a look for those supplements, thank you x

Like you, I'd rather Mali enjoy fewer walks than have every walk on lead - my arms would be considerably longer than normal if I tried that too!

[elaine.e]

William has Riaflex, which I believe has the highest concentration of glucosamine and chondroitin of the available products. I don't know if it helps because the only way to know would be to take him off it and see if he gets worse! I'm also looking into golden paste (made with turmeric) now that he's getting older.

I know an elderly Lab called Mollie who has had good results with carprofen injections. She's 13 and went to her current owner as an extremely overweight and inactive 12 year old with arthritis. Her current owner hasn't managed to shift much of the weight but the injections have helped Mollie's mobility.

[GinnyB]

Thanks Elaine, I've just looked up Riaflex and the testimonials seem very impressive. I'm going to give it a try. It's good to know that the option of the injections is there for the future and that they are known to help. Thanks again, both of you for helping to put my mind at rest

[Max X 2]

Harry has hip dysplasia, diagnosed when he was about 21 months old (he's 6 now) & has hydro once a month, I do limit his activity levels, but he copes & also has a selection of supplements

I'm sure Mali will adapt if she needs to slow down a little